MINIOTA, Man. - Curling is typically a sport played in the winter months, as most places remove the ice during the spring and summer, but this is not the case in Miniota, Man. They hold a Shirtsleeve Open Bonspiel in the summer.
This event is run by a group of resolute volunteers. It is in its 33rd year and is held the third weekend in July.
The Shirtsleeve Classic 2024 was held July 19-21 and the weekend was filled with activities including the popular bonspiel.
Four curling enthusiasts from Carlyle entered the mixed team event, which had 24 teams registered.
Jacob Kirk, Tianna Dellaleau, Kiera Brown and Tyson LaChapelle decided to travel to the event and see how far they could go in the bonspiel.
The weekend hosts a pancake breakfast at the fire hall, car rally on the main street, kids' activities including an inflatable water slide at the Valley Recreation Centre, an open golf tournament, a slo-pitch tournament, a tractor pull east of the Miniota rink, a five-kilometre colour run and curling.
On July 20, a pork supper was served with a dance to follow, and the following evening they hosted a cold-plate supper.
Curling games began on July 19 against the first team called Cuthill. This game was a blowout with Carlyle winning 10-1. The next game on July 20 was played against Duff’s team and the local entry fell 8-1.
This did not deter the four players when their third game came up against Clark’s team. The game was a battle until the end, and Carlyle prevailed with a 5-4 win.
Game four came in the morning of July 21 against a team of LaChapelle's relatives. They won this match 6-0.
The semifinal game was played that afternoon in the C event. Lalond was the opposition and they proved to be a tough bunch, winning 6-1 to end the Carlyle team's run.
Although the team did not come home with a win, it was a fun time had by all.
